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If we are faithful…. (devo reflection)

Ezra 4:1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God is Israel….

The commentary on this chapter gave me some background on Samaritans, their history, their relationship with the Jews, which I found fascinating. But my primary feeling while reading this chapter was anger, outrage. How dare they?!? Who did they think they were?!?

Ezra 4:4 Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.

However, just yesterday, I was reminded of the amazing way our Savior works, through untenable situations, through bizarre situations, through situations that seem like a fluke. He is at work. He can bring good from those situations. IF we are faithful.

Ezra 4:5 They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are at work, that the worst thing is never the last thing, that anger and outrage, impotent fury, can be incredibly dangerous. Thank You for the ability to step back from these toxic emotions and to see that You are still in control, still working things for our good and Your glory. Draw us closer. Help us reside in Your peace. Amen.

Ezra 4:24 Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Have a blessed day

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A concentrated effort…. (devo reflection)

Ezra 3:11b …And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

I think we’ve covered the fact that I have a hard time with change. And this chapter brings my attention back to the fact that our attitude is so important, especially as we face the daily changes of life. Being committed to seeing and celebrating (or at least acknowledging) the inherent blessings in our lives helps us to have a more positive attitude. 

Ezra 3:12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.

Yesterday I made a concentrated effort to look for and celebrate the positive. I did not ignore the negative, I wasn’t toxically positive, but instead of allowing the negative to consume me, I consciously sought out the positive as well. There were things that could have ruined my day, but I chose not to obsess on them. This practice made an incredible difference to my overall attitude yesterday. It is definitely a practice I need to continue to incorporate in my daily life.

Ezra 3:13a No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise….

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we can choose to wail and lament over what is lost or we can make a concerted effort to find and celebrate the beauty and blessings that You abundantly provide. It’s not easy, Lord. The negative, the loss, can easily draw us in if we allow. Give us the strength to focus on You. Help us to praise You for Your goodness, love, and mercy, which abound. Draw us closer. Amen.

Ezra 3:13b …And the sound was heard far away.

Have a blessed day.

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Direct my thoughts to the blessings…. (devo reflection)

Ezra 2:1 Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon….

Commentary on this chapter put me in mind of the idea blessings abounding when you look for them because it talked about the captives going into exile stripped of everything and now returning “abounding in the most substantial riches…. Thus we find God, in the midst of judgement, remembered mercy….”

Ezra 2:64 The whole company numbered 42,360.

Today is Monday. It is raining. It would be easy to fall into the trap of last week—fear, anger, stress. But I don’t wish to. And I know I have the power not to go there with my thoughts because my precious Savior is sovereign and in control. He has given me a spirit “of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7). 

Ezra 2:68 When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site.

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are in control and that I can direct my thoughts to the blessings in my life. Thank You for the many blessings, for Your graciousness, mercy, and love. Help me to focus on You. Draw me closer. Amen.

Ezra 2:70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

Have a blessed day.

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A renewed heart…. (devo reflection)

Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also put it in writing:

Your eyes are not deceiving you. The first three verses of Ezra are exactly the same as the end of 2 Chronicles. One might think that the theme of hope would be the same as well. That’s not what I’m finding. Commentary indicates that 1. Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written as one book and 2. They are about the need for a change of heart, a new heart within the people.

Ezra 1:2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.’”

So what does all thus mean to me? After reconnecting me with hope during this increasingly stressful semester, what lesson can I learn? I need a new heart, a renewed heart. In order to keep from sliding back into the abyss, I’ve got to make changes. Jesus, Help me.

Ezra 1:3 “‘Any of His people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.’”

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for hope and renewal that can only come from You. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Amen.

Ezra 1:5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

Have a blessed day.

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The message in the ruins…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 36:15 The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and on His dwelling place.

My pastor has an expression: “The worst thing is never the last thing.” It is a message of hope, a message to keep looking for God’s grace, mercy, and compassion in life because it is there. The books of Chronicles have been billed from the beginning as “…essentially…books of hope, grounded on the grace of our sovereign Lord.” So as I read this last chapter of 2 Chronicles, full of evil kings, the fall of Jerusalem, and exile, I knew I had to keep the bigger picture in mind so as not to miss the message in the ruins.

2 Chron 36:16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.

It helps that I know that the books of Chronicles are not the end of the story. We haven’t even gotten to the New Testament yet, to Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. So even as I see the human pigheadedness that leads to death, destruction, and  exile, I know that there is more to the story. I know the hope of Christ.

2 Chron 36:22 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also put it in writing:

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that the worst thing is not the last thing, that You are loving, merciful, and compassionate, that You are here. Thank You for the reminder to cling to the hope and peace that can only come from You. Draw me closer. Infuse my life with Your hope and peace. Amen.

2 Chron 36:23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build a temple for Him in Jerusalem in Judah. Any of His people among you may go up, and may the LORD their God be with them.’”

Have a blessed day.

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My own disobedience…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 35:20 After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.

Lord, You have brought me to the end of another school week. Thank You. You have shown me that holding on to my anger and fear leads me to impotent fury, which is utterly useless. Thank You.

2 Chron 35:21a But Necho sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war….”

Lord, You have reminded me that I need to humble myself before You. All these things that seem so important, that have me so riled up, they are not what You have called me to. You have called me to be a light for You. Thank You.

2 Chron 35:21b “…God has told me to hurry, so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.”

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that if I continue on my current path after You have clearly shown me that You need me to go a different way, that is my own disobedience. Help me, Lord, to turn away from my anger, fear, and misery and to turn toward Your light. Help me to shine that light for all to see. Draw me closer. Amen.

2 Chron 35:22 Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.

Have a blessed day.

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As I navigate this day…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 34:27a ‘Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what He spoke against this place and its people….

Lord, I humble myself before You this morning. I am so tired. I am so angry. I am so frustrated and afraid. Forgive me for allowing these emotions to eclipse what I know to be true: You are good and loving. You are sovereign and in control, You can use ALL things for my good and Your glory if I allow. Help me, Lord, as I navigate this day.

2 Chron 34:27b …and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.’

Lord, Help me to continue to humble myself before You, even after I leave the shelter of my recliner. When I am interacting with people whose beliefs and agendas are different than mine, help me to stand humbly before You, shining Your light. Take me out of myself, Lord. Fill me with Your peace, Your compassion, Your love.

2 Chron 34:31a The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD….

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not about me. It is about You and Your fierce, unconditional, unwavering, compassionate love, grace, and mercy. Help me, Lord, to humble myself before You and to shine Your light. Draw me closer. Amen.

2 Chron 34:31b …to follow the LORD and keep His commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.

Have a blessed day.

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Grant me Your peace…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 33:1-2 Manasseh…ruled in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

Commentary on this chapter says, “It has been said that God speaks to us in our pleasures and he shouts to us in our pains.” This quote put me in mind of pride and humility and the rage I am still battling. It has occurred to me, finally, that perhaps my pride is at the root of these awful feelings.

2 Chron 33:10-11 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.

These emotions certainly aren’t godly. They aren’t drawing me closer to my Savior. The opposite is true. I am so angry, so frustrated, so exhausted that I’m withdrawing from everyone. But I’m not being targeted or attacked. It’s dumb luck and circumstances beyond my control. However, I’m taking it all very personally.

2 Chron 33:12 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly….

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that these emotions are separating me from You, and that’s not ok. Help me to humble myself before You, Lord. Help me to park my feelings of personal injustice and self-importance, leading me to feel so terribly affronted. Help me break down and break through these emotions that are hardening my heart and separating me from You. Draw me closer, Lord. Grant me Your peace. Amen.

2 Chron 33:13 And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.

Have a blessed day.

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Words of comfort…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 32:7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.”

These words bring me great comfort—“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged…, for there is a greater power with us….” With the turmoil I feel these days, these are words of comfort. God is here. He’s got me. I’ll be ok—even as the storm rages—because He is holding me. Thank You, Jesus.

2 Chron 32:8 “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 

Immanuel, God with us. (Matt 1:23) The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still (Exodus 14:14). God is here. He’s got me. I’ll be ok—even as the storm rages—because He is holding me. Thank You, Jesus.

2 Chron 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace….

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are here, that You’ve got me, that I WILL be ok because I am Your deeply loved child. Help me to cling to Your promises. Help me be mindful that You are taking care of me on every side. Draw me closer. Amen.

2 Chron 32:22 So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of others. He took care of them on every side.

Have a blessed day.

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Abundance instead of a lack…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 31:8-9 When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the LORD and blessed His people Israel. Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps….

My anger and frustration, my impotent fury at the present situation, my utter misery at my current attitude—all these things were going through my head as I read this chapter. I also thought about Gen 12:12 “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing.” I’m definitely not blessing anyone with my current attitude. 

2 Chron 31:10 …and Azariah the chief priest…answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the LORD has blessed His people, and this great amount is left over.”

I also thought about those most impacted by my current attitude, those I am around the most—my family and my students. I’m not being very faithful with shining His light. I’m definitely spewing. And then I thought about Hezekiah’s command to give, about how that could have been received and how it was received, about how the people’s giving led to an abundance instead of a lack. All of these things were swirling around as I read today’s scripture.

2 Chron 31:20 This is what Hezekiah  did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that my current attitude is hurting myself and those I love and care about. Nothing good comes from it. It is not uplifting; it points no one to You. Show me positive ways I can affect this negative situation, Lord. Help me to uplift those I come in contact with instead of dragging them down. Draw me closer. Amen.

2 Chron 31:21 In everything that he undertook in service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.

Have a blessed day.